The Executive Secretary on the Board of Trustees for the National Cathedral, Reverend Victor Kusi Boateng, has addressed the need for additional funding to complete the monumental project.
He emphasized that an extra $200 to $250 million would be required to finalise the construction.
According to Reverend Boateng, investing in the completion of the National Cathedral is a small price when considering the long-term benefits it will bring to the country. He highlighted the spiritual and financial advantages, urging citizens to come together in gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon Ghana.
“If we could raise an amount of $ 200 million to $ 250 million the National Cathedral will be completed, let’s look at the advantages the Cathedral will bring to Ghana and its financial benefits, as a nation. God has blessed us, we need to come together and thank Him,” he admonished.
Drawing a comparison to the renowned National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC, Reverend Boateng envisioned the National Cathedral as a centrepiece of cultural heritage.
He noted that despite the lower cost of around $300 million for the Ghanaian project, it would surpass the National Museum of African American History and Culture, colloquially known as the Blacksonian located in Washinton DC in both scope and technological advancements.
“Washington museum in construction cost $ 600 million but after the completion of the Cathedral, Ghana shall have a Bible museum of Africa that will in terms of space, content and technology be higher than the American Museum that cost them $600 million.
“All costs together our Cathedral, Biblical Museum, Biblical Gardens is just around $300 million, and ours is bigger than the American Bible Museum that cost $600 million. If you look in-depth into the data, you realise that although $300 million is money but compared to the $ 600 million we’ve done well.”
Appealing to Christians and believers, Reverend Boateng called for collective effort in realizing the Cathedral’s construction, likening it to a cherished heritage. He emphasized the significance of having a dedicated religious structure akin to other faiths’ prominent landmarks worldwide.
“The third most visited site for Muslims is the Mosque in Abu Dhabi, there is a Mosque and Cathedral in Abu Dhabi which has attracted thousands of people. Let us Christians also know that this project is like a heritage to us and for us, let us rise, and build this.” he said
Addressing concerns about alleged mismanagement of funds, Reverend Boateng refuted claims of trustee payments and diverted funds stating firmly that no evidence supporting such allegations has been presented to the public.
This is after Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa made allegations that the Reverend was given GH₵ 2.6 million from the project’s funds under the guise of contractor mobilization of which the reverend describes as “lies, lies, blatant lies”.
”There is no single theft that has occurred within the coffers of the National Cathedral, the great men behind it will not sit back and watch it happen,” he emphasised.
Reverend Boateng expressed optimism that people are beginning to recognize the importance of the National Cathedral project, and that he knows “for sure that even if help doesn’t come from anywhere, God himself will bring us the help and money we need to build the Cathedral. Help will come for all Ghanaians to see the works of the Lord,” he stated.
By Lois Dogbe|Onua FM
